A Minor Disagreement

Leaving the medical center, Lin Wei felt a strange sense of melancholy, a premonition of loss and an inexplicable sadness, rather than the expected relief. He was grateful but also afraid.

He feared the day Yae Sakura, his constant companion, would vanish without a trace, like a fading cherry blossom or a melting snowman, leaving behind only a Stigmata as the last vestige of her existence.

If that day came, Lin Wei, accustomed to her presence, would be devastated by regret. He owed his survival in this Honkai-ravaged world to her protection, a debt he constantly acknowledged and reciprocated.

Their partnership, built on mutual sincerity, had been pleasant. He'd assumed this symbiotic relationship would last forever.

Until today's revelation: their bond wasn't simply that of landlord and tenant. He was being unknowingly consumed, the "[Yae Sakura Stigmata]" slowly replacing "[Yae Sakura]."

If that happened, would Yae Sakura's consciousness persist, or would she disappear completely?

Remembering the sentient Stigmata within him, and her own words about eventually vanishing, Lin Wei couldn't allow himself a shred of optimism.

If he hadn't insisted on visiting Schicksal HQ, he wouldn't have uncovered this hidden danger, wouldn't have the chance to find a solution while there was still time.

He believed World Serpent possessed comparable technology, but who could he trust? Gray Serpent? He doubted she could get an objective answer from Jackal.

"Things have changed. We need to leave," he told Yae Sakura before rejoining Rita. "We'll go to World Serpent, find Hare. She'll find a way to separate you from me."

Hare, in the final chapter of the story, the re-transcribed her had silently separated the two Hare....

Despite his seriousness, Yae Sakura chuckled. "After causing them so much trouble, asking for help now might get you kicked out."

Lin Wei was speechless, a wry smile on his face. Giving Otto the intel on the Second Divine Key seemed rash now. He'd barely entered Schicksal HQ before Otto launched his London expedition. World Serpent wasn't foolish; they knew who was responsible.

He'd painted himself into a corner. He should've taken a different approach from the start.

Life always throws curveballs when you least expect them… He grumbled to Yae Sakura. Who knew karma would be so swift?

This feeling of self-sabotage is awful.

Seeing his distress, Yae Sakura smiled. "Your immediate concern should be dealing with Rita Rossweisse."

Dealing with Rita? It's Otto I need to worry about! Leaving Schicksal HQ was easy; Otto would be glad to see him go.

The question was: what then?

"...Damn it, I'm really stuck!" He realized: fate always dealt him a terrible hand, forcing him into unfavorable games with unacceptable penalties.

Whether it was being betrayed by Kevin Kaslana years ago, leading him to choose this Stigmata out of desperation, or facing Otto in an uneven gamble a year later.

The match was far from over; this was just halftime. He was already overwhelmed, now facing an extra challenge with another unbearable penalty.

Is this a joke?

But he was already in the game, unable to quit. He had to use his terrible hand to achieve at least a draw. It was torturous, but it was reality.

"Rita, I apologize for the wait," he said, composing himself. When unsure of the next step, maintaining composure was crucial. Lin Wei might lack other virtues, but he adapted to reality quickly.

"Mr. Lin Wei, your contributions are remarkable. A short wait is only natural," Rita replied gracefully, her smile impeccable, ignoring the papers in his hand. "It seems you're in good health. Wonderful news."

"Thank you," Lin Wei responded.

"It's getting late. Allow me to show you to your quarters. Please voice any further needs; I'll do my best to fulfill them." Rita, ever the dutiful maid, didn't inquire about the results, focused on her "job."

"This is fine." Lin Wei wasn't sure if Rita noticed anything amiss, but since she didn't ask, he wouldn't volunteer information. He pocketed the reports and followed her.

They arrived at a residential area. Rita opened a door and stepped aside. "Schicksal's accommodations are modest. Please forgive any shortcomings."

Lin Wei was speechless. The room wasn't luxurious, but it had everything—a balcony, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and furniture—spotlessly clean and pleasant. He caught a familiar scent.

"Thank you, Rita." She must have cleaned while he was being examined. So like her…

"I'm glad you're satisfied," Rita replied. "Please rest. Dinner will be delivered shortly. Unless you have further instructions, I won't disturb you."

She excused herself and left. Lin Wei watched her disappear down the stairs, lost in thought.

"So deep in thought. What are you pondering?" Yae Sakura asked.

"Nothing. Just thinking how nice it would be if Rita were a friend," he replied, closing the door.

He summoned Pandora, confirmed the absence of surveillance devices, then lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling.

Yae Sakura remained silent.

"You knew all along, didn't you?" he said after a while.

She didn't reply immediately, as if expressing displeasure.

"You should have told me," Lin Wei sighed. "I feel like a thief, stealing everything from you, bit by bit."

"Yae Sakura is just a Stigmata," she said. "Someone who died 500 years ago, given a second life thanks to you. What's there to be dissatisfied with?"

"Died 500 years ago…" Lin Wei was speechless. "Am I dreaming?" What's it like being possessed by a ghost from Japanese folklore?

Sensing his mood, Yae Sakura refrained from provoking him. "I had no chance to tell you! Without this Stigmata, you wouldn't survive."

This was her honest feeling. She knew he'd react this way, wanting to separate her, so she couldn't tell him. He would die without the Stigmata's protection.

"...So, I'm really useless, huh?" Lin Wei chuckled self-deprecatingly. "But it's different now. Thanks to that serum, I don't need the Stigmata for Honkai adaptability."

If previous era people lacked Stigmata genes yet could resist Honkai and become MANTIS warriors with the serum, then he, with double the dose, could surely do the same.

"We'll leave later, go to World Serpent, find Hare, and you'll be safe," he said, already planning. Gray Serpent was reclusive and taciturn, difficult to communicate with… He'd need a strategy, but couldn't think of one now.

"So urgent?" Yae Sakura asked, sensing his desperation. "This isn't like you."

"Yes, I'm worried. I fear delaying will harm you," he said earnestly. "You're far more important to me than a Stigmata."

"Really?" Yae Sakura beamed.

"Then please find a seat and give up on Hare."

Lin Wei was stunned. "Why?"

"Do you think I'd accept being handed over to her, becoming her experimental subject, after she forcefully transcribed me and caused me so much suffering?" Her smile remained, but her tone was resolute. "I'd rather die."

She sighed. "I'm a disembodied Stigmata. Even if separated, I can't regain a physical form. What difference would it make?"

She smiled again. "I enjoy this life, despite its troubles. It's peaceful. To live out my days like this is more than I could ask for. Even if I fade like a cherry blossom, I won't feel sorrow."

"And if that day comes, this insignificant remnant of mine will continue to serve as your blade…" She stopped, swallowing the last part.

Lin Wei understood her meaning. "Do we really need to disagree on this?"

Yae Sakura blinked. "Are you accusing me of being selfish?"

"Not at all." She's always been this way. Calm and collected usually, but decisive at critical moments.

"I think you're considering something disrespectful," she said seriously, her eyes betraying a different message: But I'll be angry if you're upset about it!

"Alright, Hare is on hold, a last resort. Happy now?" Lin Wei sighed. What a mess. Arguing about their concern for each other was pointless. Since Yae Sakura was adamant, he'd compromise, maintain the status quo, and explore alternative solutions.

"The doctor said the fusion is just beginning. We still have time." He reviewed the report, studying a few pages before setting it aside. "According to this, except… Didn't she say there wouldn't be any issues until the final chapter?"

Because back then, I relied heavily on the Stigmata's power. I only began absorbing its power after returning to my original world…

So, as long as I don't actively use its power, I can buy time to find a solution… But what solution? He racked his brain, formulating and discarding plans, archiving some for later consideration.

He voiced some ideas, discussing them with Yae Sakura, seeking inspiration.

For a day, Lin Wei forgot his real-world troubles, immersed in this endless brainstorming session.

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Knock, knock…" The gentle rapping suggested a fear of disturbing the occupant.

"Just a moment!" Lin Wei called, assuming it was dinner.

Clutching his rumbling stomach, he opened the door and froze.

A young girl stood there, head bowed, looking forlorn. "C-can I come in?"

Lin Wei was surprised. "Yuno? What are you doing here?"